Tag Archives: suspicion of DUI

What Happens When You Are Arrested for DUI?

Monday, 17 March 2014 21:24

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Whether you have been arrested for DUI (Driving under the Influence) for the first time or multiple times, you may be wondering how the DUI process works and exactly what you should be doing NOW. Below, DUI attorney Mickey Roberts details step-by-step what happens when you’re stopped for suspicion of DUI.

After suspicion or probable cause (for example, operating your vehicle in an unusual or illegal manner), an officer stops your vehicle and requests you to pull over before obtaining your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance card.

After providing the police with your license and insurance, tell the officer you are invoking your 4th Amendment rights. Also tell him/her that you are invoking your 5th Amendment rights as well.

If the officer suspects you are under the influence of alcohol, you will be asked to submit to field sobriety tests such as horizontal gaze, walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand evaluations.

Following the field sobriety tests, if the officer suspects nothing, you will be released. However, if the officer has probable cause, you will be placed under DUI arrest and taken to the police station. You will be asked to submit chemical testing of breath, blood, or urine.

… Do NOT refuse to take the State chemical tests UNLESS you have had enough alcohol to be above the .08 limit. If you refuse to take the test, your license could be suspended for one year.

If you are under 21, or this is not your first DUI in five years, it is recommended that you refuse to take any state chemical test of blood, breath, or urine. Otherwise, request a blood test and independent breath test with another police department immediately after arrest, and then take the state test(s). Do not refuse to the take the State test outright or your license will be suspended for one year.

Once in custody, invoke your right to an attorney—however, you are not guaranteed the right to call an attorney for advice on a roadside stop. Memorize and print your legal rights NOW to avoid problems at the scene.

You are required to post bond and may be incarcerated until bond is posted.

Your vehicle may be towed, impounded, or seized.

Keep in mind: If you register over .08 on the state chemical test or refuse completion, you only have ten business days from the arrest to request a hearing from the department of Public Safety before your driver’s license will be inevitably suspended.

Stay tuned for a blog coming soon for more on what happens after your arrest. If you are arrested for DUI or other traffic violations, contact Mr. GaDUI today. Also be sure to follow me, Mickey Roberts on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more traffic law updates and news.

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Disclaimer

The above information is intended to help educate members of the Georgia motoring public as to their rights under the law and to assist presumptively innocent citizens in properly asserting those rights. Information within this site should not be misconstrued as legal advice.